Most Major Crimes Post Decline, Lungren Says

Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren said Friday that with the exception of homicide, the rate of major crimes reported in California decreased last year from 1992 levels.

Lungren said the rate for violent crimes dropped 4.1%, and the property crime rate fell 3.3%. Overall, criminal offenses tracked in the Department of Justice’s California Crime Index decreased 3.5%.

Although homicide was up 3.2%, rape was down by 9.1%, robbery declined 4.8%, and aggravated assault was down by 3.4%, the attorney general said. Burglary was down 4.5% and motor vehicle theft was down 1.6%.

California’s crime rate almost tripled between 1952 and 1980, then began to decrease. Property crimes fell sharply, violent crime less so, until 1984. After that, most categories generally leveled off until last year’s modest decline.

Despite the downward trend--perhaps obscured by the high-profile nature of so much present-day criminal activity--a Los Angeles Times exit poll on Election Day last Tuesday turned up crime as a leading concern of voters. It was mentioned as the No. 1 problem by more voters in the poll--37%--than any other in a list of problems affecting the state.

Lungren said of the recent crime index findings: “This report brings mostly good news, but this is no time to stop demanding tougher sentences for criminals.”

Lungren, who is seeking reelection, warned against current attempts to weaken tough anti-crime measures.

He cited a move to restrict the state’s “three strikes” law by sending criminals to prison for 25 years to life only if their third felony is a violent act. As it is, any third felony conviction mandates that sentence.

Los Angeles Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti and the father of murder victim Polly Klaas have called on Gov. Pete Wilson and the Legislature to place such a proposal, which is less costly, on the fall ballot. Wilson has said he will veto any such bill.

“Its easy to talk tough on crime,” Lungren said. “ . . . And this year, nearly everybody will do it. Watch the actions of your elected officials and see if it matches with their tough talk.”